Possible Assistance to Volunteer Fire Departments

Volunteer fire departments protect 80% of Texas and save taxpayers an estimated $31 million per year. The Texas Legislature is currently considering bills which would assist volunteer firefighters and volunteer fire departments. House Bill 1263 would reduce the exposure to legal liability of a volunteer fire department or volunteer firefighter while involved in or providing an emergency response. Supporters of this bill feel it is in the public interest of Texas citizens to encourage the continued level of service provided by volunteer fire departments. They feel the threat of lawsuits may diminish the number of volunteers, leading to increased costs and less service. Opponents say that if someone is hurt in a fire or in an accident with a fire truck, they should be able to sue the volunteers to recover damages. House Bill 2604 proposes the imposition of the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. The program will add a $1 per month surcharge to property insurance premiums on structures located within an area served by a volunteer fire department. The money (about $23 million annually statewide) will be used in a grant program to help volunteer departments buy equipment. Supporters of this bill say that volunteer fire departments protect 80% of Texas and are underfunded. These additional funds would come from the people who utilize the services of volunteer fire departments. Opponents say this would be just another fee they have to pay and that the quality of a community’s volunteer fire department should be determined by those living in that community, not the Legislature. I would be interested in hearing your comments on these bills. Please write to my Austin office at P.O. Box 2910, Austin, Texas, 78768. The week of March 18 to 24 is National Agriculture Week in Texas. This is a time to recognize the rich heritage and dedication of our farmers and ranchers who help the Texas agriculture industry thrive. State Representative Ron Clark P.O. Box 2910 Austin, TX 78768-2910 (903) 893-9426 * (512) 463-0474 (512) 475-3767 (fax) ron.clark@house.state.tx.us http://www.grayson.edu/district62/RonClark.html